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Opening up an Eichler to the outdoors

by Marian Brown Sprague / photos by Dasja Dolan

In the heart of Palo Alto's close-knit Triple El neighborhood, under an inviting canopy of graceful elms, Elsinore Drive is Eichler territory -- and proud of it. "We bought this house because we knew how great the neighbors were, and because we love Eichlers: the walls of glass, the high ceilings, the smart interior layout and access to the outdoors," says owner Dana Granoski.

"Still, as our kids grew, we looked for ways to open up our living space without altering the interior footprint we like so much."

The answer lay in their front yard. Calling upon her background in graphic and industrial design Granoski has created a multi-purpose outdoor space that is one with the house. "I believe the response has been so positive because we dealt with issues that so many Eichler owners have grappled with: how to design outdoor space that ties in the modern architecture, how to include play space for children, and how to work within a modest budget," she says.

The walled garden is accessed from the street through a dramatic front gate Granoski designed herself of dark metal, overlaid with rough-hewn redwood beams, inside a rusted metal frame. A six-foot-high cinder-block wall (an Eichler staple but, in this updated version, unfinished) joins with and complements the warmth of the gate's beams. Natural tones replace the austerity of the cement block as the front fence continues. Granoski incorporated leftover Eichler siding into this portion of the wall, which is mirrored on the other side of the charcoal-gray garage.

"I love vertical lines and playing with symmetry and asymmetry," she says. Indeed, inside a glazed chartreuse pot nested against the stark linear background of the entryway is a Harry Lauder's walking stick, a curvilinear, crooked and whimsical plant.

Determined to reuse as much of the existing flora as possible and to incorporate low-maintenance, drought (and kid)-tolerant varieties, Granoski sought inspiration from trips to Gamble Garden and from her landscape contractor, Special Gardens. From the street, swaying Mexican feather grass and diagonally arranged blue oat grass cede to ever-taller plants as the eye is drawn upward to the front wall. Strongly vertical horsetail plays games with the horizontal emphasis of the cinder blocks. Farther down the fence, horsetail mimics the vertical repetition of the siding.

Inside the walls all is serene -- industrial elements blend with the natural to create an elegant, inviting and soothing space. Water tumbles down a rock fountain. Concrete rectangles, interspersed with river rock and softened at the edges by
Nandina and 'Snowline' sedge, lead to the front door. A towering stand of black bamboo accents the door. Playfully, Granoski has placed orange and chartreuse pottery orbs at the bamboo's base.

Atop a foundation of the garden's original flagstone, a meticulously crafted geometric redwood trellis shares dramatic center stage with the soft grace of a Japanese maple. Three swings hang invitingly, but are easily -- and often -- removed. The Granoskis have been known to transform the space under the trellis into a chic outdoor dining room. The effect is magical, thanks to Granoski's careful consideration of the yard's lighting needs. "Illumination is so key to creating drama," she adds.

This is a kid-friendly space, although Granoski says, "It was a challenge to design with the kids in mind." A glass door on the side of the house provides easy access to the bathroom just inside. A long wall features a super-sized chalkboard -- an addition that provides hours of inspiration for her young children. Six-year-old Maia's "butterfly/experiment" garden is a labor of love: She has recently planted carrot seeds next to her kangaroo paws and lavender.

"My greatest joy is sitting out here in the morning with my husband, Nick, and my cup of coffee, watching the kids swing in their pajamas," says Granoski as she surveys her sanctum.

Resources:

Landscape contractor: Maia Highsmith, Special Gardens, 2634 Spring St., Redwood City, 650-364-2499